Author: Jill

Times of Fear and Uncertainty We may be living in a time of fear and chaos in our country. But there is one truth we can stand solidly upon: the plans of the Lord stand firm forever. We may be tempted to cling to fear or discouragement instead of this truth. But the God who created this world wants us to remember that he is in control. He loves us with a fierce, never-ending love, and his sovereign hand will never let us go. In the depths of our souls, God wants us to know that no matter what circumstances we face, the purposes of his heart will prevail. No Greater Power Than God Our God is the Almighty One. Absolutely nothing can hinder his plans Read More

Living Distracted Before I started living for Christ, I lived for distractions. I had to. I needed something to take my heart and mind off the nagging feeling that something was missing in my soul. Although I longed for a life of purpose, I was experiencing something so much different. I felt like an object floating on a breeze. A dandelion seed blowing wherever the wind would take me. How I longed to find meaning in life! To wake up each day feeling alive and full of purpose. But I didn’t feel that way. Instead, I felt desperate and alone. Yet in my stubbornness, I convinced myself to just keep trying harder: To chase my earthly dreams, to find the perfect relationship, to achieve a Read More

Sulking in Disappointment Some days I don’t feel like getting up out of bed and rejoicing before the Lord. Instead, I feel like hiding out in the darkness and sulking about every disappointment I’ve had in life. Instead of doing my morning devotions, I simply want to camp out under the covers, stewing about how things haven’t gone my way. Perhaps I feel abandoned by God. Or maybe I am upset about another hard lesson learned through my disobedience. In any case, my own self-pity can steal my faith and joy. It takes me far from the truth that in all things God works for the good of those who love him (Romans 8:28). Rising Up in the Promises of God In the past, pulling myself Read More

Still another said, “I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say goodbye to my family.” Jesus replied, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.” Luke 9:61-62 When God Calls You When God calls you forward, you must step out in faith, even if a thousand voices call you back. When you see Jesus in front of you, heading in the direction he wants you to go, you must follow. No matter where He leads. A voice inside of you may tell you to take one last glance back–to look back with longing at all that lies behind you. But this is not the voice of Jesus. It Read More

Do Not Give Up “Do not give up on me, Lord! Oh please, do not give up!” This has been the cry of my heart. With all of my might, I cling to the Lord and lift up this simple prayer, desperately pushing back against the forces that try to diminish my faith and steal my joy. The enemy loves to bombard me with busyness and a thousand other distractions that persuade me to live as if everything else matters just a little more than Jesus. My eyes get fixed on a hundred worthless things, and they stray from the one thing that truly does matter: Jesus, the founder and perfecter of [my] faith (Hebrews 12:2). A Deceived Heart Why is my heart so easily Read More